Outlook: Key question for Longhorns is whether star QB Vince Young will stay for his senior year. Even without him, the Longhorns could be set up for another big season with lots of talent due to return, including RBs Ramonce Taylor, Jamaal Charles, Selvin Young and Henry Melton and WRs Billy Pittman and Limas Sweed. Defense loses T Rodrique Wright, LB Aaron Harris and DB Michael Huff, returns S Michael Griffin, LB Robert Killebrew and E Brian Robison.

Bowl result: Beat then-No. 1 USC 41-38 in Rose Bowl.

2. USC (12-1)

Points: 1,483. PR: 1.

Outlook: Trojans bid farewell to at least one Heisman Trophy winner and maybe two. QB Matt Leinart is off to the NFL with John David Booty waiting in the wings. RB Reggie Bush could be the top pick if he comes out. RB LenDale White and WRs Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith are due back. Defense loses E Frostee Rucker and LB Collin Ashton, with LB Oscar Lua, S Darnell Bing and E Lawrence Jackson among those with eligibility left.

Outlook: Buckeyes will have some rebuilding to do on defense as top LBs A.J. Hawk, Bobby Carpenter and Anthony Schlegel depart along with DE Mike Kudla. DBs Donte Whitner and Ashton Youboty are due back. Among offensive players due to return are FLs Ted Ginn Jr. and Anthony Gonzalez, RBs Antonio Pittman and Maurice Wells and QBs Justin Zwick and Troy Smith.

Outlook: After a championship first season in Mountain West, Horned Frogs lose QB Tye Gunn, who missed most of the season with a shoulder injury. But QB Jeff Ballard returns along with RBs Robert Merrill and Aaron Brown and WRs Cory Rodgers, Quentily Harmon, Donald Massey and Derek Moore. Defense loses CBs Quincy Butler and Drew Coleman, returns SS Marvin White, LB Robert Henson, DE Tommy Blake and DE Chase Ortiz. Bowl result: Beat Iowa State 27-24 in ev1.net Houston Bowl.

Outlook: Irish could make a run for national honors if QB Brady Quinn, fourth in the Heisman voting, returns along with WR Jeff Samardzija and RB Darius Walker. WR Maurice Stovall departs. Defense loses LBs Brandon Hoyte and Corey Mays, but S Tom Zbikowski and DL Victor Abiamiri are due to return. Bowl result: Lost to No. 4 Ohio State 34-20 in Tostitos Fiesta Bowl.

12. Oregon (10-2)

Points: 837. PR: 5.

Outlook: Ducks bounced back for a big season but lose QB Kellen Clemens, RB Terrence Whitehead, WR Demetrius Williams and CBs Aaron Gipson and Justin Phinisee. Among those expected back are QBs Dennis Dixon and Brady Leaf, RB Jonathan Stewart, WR James Finley and rover Patrick Chung. Standout lineman Haloti Ngata could give defense a big lift if he opts to stay. Bowl result: Lost to Oklahoma 17-14 in Pacific Life Holiday Bowl.

Outlook: Tigers will have some holes to fill with departures of WRs Devin Aromashodu, Ben Obomanu and Anthony Mix, All-America OT Marcus McNeill, LB Travis Williams and DE Stanley McClover. Due back are QB Brandon Cox, RBs Kenny Irons, Brad Lester and Tre Smith and DE Marquies Gunn. Bowl result: Lost to then-No. 20 Wisconsin 24-10 in Capital One Bowl.

15. Wisconsin (10-3)

Points: 739. PR: 20.

Outlook: There’s a new man in charge in Madison with Bret Bielema moving up to replace coach Barry Alvarez. Standout RB Brian Calhoun has a year left as do QB John Stocco and RB Booker Stanley. Also due back are DBs Jack Ikegwuonu, Roderick Rogers and Joe Stellmacher, LB Mark Zalewski and DL Nick Hayden. Badgers lose WRs Brandon Williams and Jonathan Orr and LB Dontez Sanders. Bowl result: Beat then-No. 7 Auburn 24-10 in Capital One Bowl.

Outlook: QB Brian Brohm’s recovery from torn ligament in right knee will be watched. He was Big East offensive player of year. Backup Hunter Cantwell also returns. RB Michael Bush, who led Big East in rushing, is due back as are WRs Mario Urrutia and Harry Douglas. Defense will need some retooling with departures of E Elvis Dumervil, the Nagurski Award winner; lineman Montavious Stanley; and LB Brandon Johnson. LB Nate Harris and CB Rod Council return. Bowl result: Lost to then-No. 12 Virginia Tech 35-24 in Toyota Gator Bowl.

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